BILL NUMBER: S2180
SPONSOR: PARKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the state technology law, in relation to requiring a
digital equity officer be appointed by the director of the office of
information technology services
 
PURPOSE OF BILL:
To establish a Digital Equity Officer position.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Subdivision 5 of section 102 of the state technology law as
added by chapter 430 of the laws of 1997 and as renumbered by chapter
437 of the laws of 2004, is amended
Section 2: This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it
shall have become a law.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The current digital divide, made more pronounced due to the COVID-19
pandemic, has proven that it is necessary to close the digital gap. The
lasting effects of the pandemic will continue to be felt for a long time
and having an established position created to oversee and assist with
broadband access and to provide computers, laptops, or tablets to
students will allow every student to maintain progress with their
academic achievements. Additionally, providing broadband access to rural
and residential areas, as well as small and medium business, will
provide well-needed services to remote areas in New York State and allow
companies to keep their employees working, provide employees with the
ability to work from home to maintain health and safety and keep our
economy moving.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S4846- Referred to Internet and Technology
2021-22: S5931 - Referred to Internet and Technology
2019-20: S9095- Referred to Rules
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have